Symbol-based game machine

ABSTRACT

Provided is a symbol-based game machine comprising: a box ( 1 ) having a symbol-displaying window ( 2 ) and a count-displaying window ( 12 ), a plurality of polyhedrons or balls ( 3 ) each having a groove ( 9 ), and a rotating axis ( 6 ) disposed in the box ( 1 ); wherein a thickness of the box ( 1 ) is two times larger than or equal to a maximum thickness of the polyhedron or ball ( 3 ); the symbol-displaying window ( 2 ) is disposed at the bottom of a front of the box ( 1 ); the count-displaying window ( 12 ) is disposed above the symbol-displaying window ( 2 ); and a position and dimension of the symbol-displaying window ( 2 ) correspond to those of the rotating axis ( 6 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2006/002795, with an international filing date of Oct. 20, 2006, which is based on Chinese Patent Application No. 200520146394.8, filed Dec. 8, 2005. The contents of these specifications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is related to a game machine, and particularly to a symbol-based game machine.

2. Description of the Related Art

Self-amusing toys like traditional pokers, magic cubes and electronic toys are very popular at present. This type of toy is portable and competitive, and can attract people playing over and over. However, results of these games are not verified and recognized, and a player cannot get awarded accordingly, which make the player lose interest gradually.

Another type of self-amusing activity is a so-called “probabilistic game”, which comprises guessing a head or a tail of a coin, lotteries, and so on. This type of amusing activity makes participants filled with passion and excitement all the time due to the attraction of big money. However, this type of activity lacks transparency, and the player cannot control game results by himself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Based on the above-mentioned facts, it is one objective of the invention to provide a game machine suitable for self-amusing gaming activities which feature transparency and self control in the whole gaming process. And at the same time, results of a game can be verified and recognized, and the player could be attracted and rewarded.

To achieve the above objectives, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, provided is a symbol-based game machine comprising: a box (1) having a symbol-displaying window (2) and a count-displaying window (12), a plurality of polyhedrons or balls (3) each having a groove (9), and a rotating axis (6) disposed in the box (1); wherein a thickness of the box (1) is two times larger than or equal to a maximum thickness of the polyhedron or ball (3); the symbol-displaying window (2) is disposed at the bottom of a front of the box (1); the count-displaying window (12) is disposed above the symbol-displaying window (2); and a position and dimension of the symbol-displaying window (2) correspond to those of the rotating axis (6).

In certain classes of this embodiment, the box (1) is non-transparent, except for the parts where the symbol-displaying window (2) and the count-displaying window (12) are located.

In certain classes of this embodiment, a maximum thickness of the box (1) is less than a side length of a cross section of the groove (9).

In certain classes of this embodiment, a length of the groove (9) is greater than a sum of lengths of certain number of polyhedrons or balls (3).

In certain classes of this embodiment, Chinese characters (16), English letters (4), pictures (5), numerals (18) and color blocks (8) are carved on one or more sides of parts or all the polyhedrons or balls (3).

In certain classes of this embodiment, the rotating axis (6) is located in a lower part of the box (1).

In certain classes of this embodiment, a diameter of the rotating axis (6) is less than a thickness of the box (1).

In certain classes of this embodiment, a rotary knob (7) is disposed at one end of the rotating axis (6).

In certain classes of this embodiment, a ratchet wheel (15) is disposed between the box (1) and the rotary knob (7).

In certain classes of this embodiment, signs of “ON” and “SHOW” are marked on the rotary knob (7).

In certain classes of this embodiment, a bar code (14) covers a sealing line (13) of the box (1).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of this invention is given below based on the drawings and detailed description of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a symbol-based game machine of the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a box of the symbol-based game machine.

In the drawings, 1 is a box; 2 is a symbol-displaying window; 3 is a polyhedron/ball; 4 is a letter marked on the polyhedron/ball; 5 is a picture on the polyhedron/ball; 6 is a rotating axis; 7 is a rotary knob; 9 is a groove; 11 is one side of the box; 12 is a count-displaying window; 13 is a sealing line; 14 is a bar code; and 15 is a ratchet wheel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, a symbol-based game machine comprises a box 1, a plurality of polyhedrons/balls 3 and a rotating axis 6. The box 1 is flat rectangular, and comprises a symbol-displaying window 2 and a count-displaying window 12. A thickness of the box 1 is two times larger than or equal to a maximum thickness of the polyhedron or ball 3. The rotating axis 6 passes through one side 11 of the box 1, and is connected to the other side of the box 1. A diameter of the rotating axis 6 is slightly smaller than a thickness of the box 1, so that the rotating axis 6 is capable of rotating freely within the box 1. A groove 9 is disposed in the rotating axis 6, and a dimension of the groove 9 should be large enough to receive certain number of polyhedrons/balls 3. A maximum thickness of the box 1 is slightly less than a side length of a cross section of the groove 9. A rotary knob 7 with “On” and “Show” signs marked thereon is disposed at one end of the rotating axis 6. The symbol-displaying window 2 is disposed at the bottom of a front of the box 1, and the count-displaying window 12 is disposed above the symbol-displaying window 2.

One or more sides of each of the polyhedrons/balls 3 are carved with letters 4. A size of the polyhedron/ball 3 should be designed so that it can be easily received in the groove 9 of the rotating axis 6. As several polyhedrons/balls 3 randomly fall into the groove 9 of the rotating axis 6 and are orderly arranged, they are possible to form a predetermined English word, that is, a player wins a game.

A ratchet wheel 15 is disposed between the box 1 and the rotary knob 7, and a ratchet tooth (not numbered) is disposed on the box 1, and engages with the ratchet wheel 15 so as to control the rotating axis 6 to rotate in one direction only. The rotating axis 6 is connected with a scoring device (not shown). As the rotating axis 6 rotates one circle, the scoring device records for one time. A player is capable of seeing whether a predetermined word is formed by certain number of polyhedrons/balls 3 via the symbol-displaying window 2, and the number of winning is displayed on the count-displaying window 12.

The whole box 1 is non-transparent except for the parts where the symbol-displaying window 2 and the count-displaying window 12 are located. Moreover, the box 1 is completely sealed, and a bar code 14 covers a sealing line 13 of the box 1, so as to prevent opening for cheating and illegal imitation and counterfeit.

This invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein and modifications for various applications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. While this invention has been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, specification, and following claims. 

1. A symbol-based game machine comprising: a box (1) having a symbol-displaying window (2) and a count-displaying window (12); a plurality of polyhedrons or balls (3) each having a groove (9); and a rotating axis (6) disposed in said box (1); wherein: a thickness of said box (1) is two times larger than or equal to a maximum thickness of said polyhedron or ball (3); said symbol-displaying window (2) is disposed at the bottom of a front of said box (1); said count-displaying window (12) is disposed above said symbol-displaying window (2); and a position and dimension of said symbol-displaying window (2) correspond to those of said rotating axis (6).
 2. The symbol-based game machine of claim 1, wherein said box (1) is non-transparent, except for the parts where said symbol-displaying window (2) and said count-displaying window (12) are located.
 3. The symbol-based game machine of claim 1, wherein a maximum thickness of said box (1) is slightly less than a side length of a cross section of said groove (9).
 4. The symbol-based game machine of claim 3, wherein a length of said groove (9) is slightly greater than a sum of lengths of certain number of polyhedrons or balls (3).
 5. The symbol-based game machine of claim 1, wherein Chinese characters (16), English letters (4), pictures (5), numerals (18) and color blocks (8) are carved on one or more sides of parts or all said polyhedrons or balls (3).
 6. The symbol-based game machine of claim 1, wherein said rotating axis (6) is located in a lower part of said box (1).
 7. The symbol-based game machine of claim 6, wherein a diameter of said rotating axis (6) is slightly less than a thickness of said box (1).
 8. The symbol-based game machine of claim 7, wherein a rotary knob (7) is disposed at one end of said rotating axis (6).
 9. The symbol-based game machine of claim 8, wherein a ratchet wheel (15) is disposed between said box (1) and said rotary knob (7).
 10. The symbol-based game machine of claim 9, wherein signs of “ON” and “SHOW” are marked on said rotary knob (7).
 11. The symbol-based game machine of claim 1, wherein a bar code (14) covers a sealing line (13) of said box (1). 